The Municipality of Bologna has set up an accommodation programme to allow gradual social and dwelling inclusion for nomad groups, mostly experiencing apartment life for the first time (at least one member of the family unit should have had a permanent work contract for at least 3-4 years). The apartments are not owned by the Municipality but have been found on the private market. Roma families can remain in the apartments for 4 years. 50% of the rent during these first 4 years is paid by the Roma families, the rest by the Municipality.

In order to face the so called ‘new poverties’ and to succeed in reaching its mission, the ‘Don Paolo Serra Zanetti’ Institute for Social Inclusion - set up by the Municipality of Bologna with the inheritance left to it by Don Paolo Serra Zanetti - provides 47 dwellings for people in conditions of social exclusion. Social promotion and voluntary associations respond to a public call for tenders by presenting proposals for projects/initiatives.